With the new season racing towards us I figured I would look at the team and come up with some predictions for what I see happening. There has been a number of changes to the personnel in the last 12 months and the majority have been good moves. Don't mention the Despres trade. I think that the team is better going forward but about the same on defence.
The Penguins biggest trade was the Kessel one and it added an extra dimension and attacking threat to the team. The team sorely needed another top 6 winger and we have one. Kessel scored 25 goals and 36 assists last season on a Toronto team that was not the same in the second half. Alongside the likes of Crosby and Malkin I could see him get nearer to his season best of 82 points.
Kessel isn't alone though with a scoring presence now visible in more than one line he won't feel the weight of pressure on his shoulder. Hornqvist had a good first season with the Penguins nearly matching his seasons best in fewer games. On the other winger Perron started well but struggled nearer the end. I would expect him to do better with a full season under his belt. Together I see no reason why they couldn't equal 50 goals.
Crosby and Malkin are pretty self explanatory. Crosby struggled last season though with one of his lowest PPG seasons. With new teams mates I would expect him to rebound from the injuries and problems to post another 100 point season and win the Art Ross trophy. Malkin had a slightly below par season and he won't be happy about it. But his line mates were not conducive to his play. With two of Perron, Hornqvist, Kessel and Kunitz to choose from he will bounce back. I think we'll see a season in the high 80's.
The Penguins depth scoring potential has improved drastically. Despite having a few players step up and play some of their best hockey last season, the Penguins lacked that depth that top teams have. Their fourth line especially was not a scoring threat at all. They now have depth when you consider that someone like Pascal Dupuis could appear on the fourth line at times alongside Beau Bennett. Plotnikov is the biggest addition and I think he will do well, chipping in with a good 20+20 season. In all I see the Penguins bottom six production doubling this season taking pressure off Crosby and co.
The Penguins defence this year will have an inexperienced feel to it with Pouliot and Dumoulin both likely to have to significant ice time. Letang and Maatta will front the defence ahead of Lovejoy and, surprise package, Cole. I don't expect much from Scuderi. No-one does. I see a break-out season for Pouliot and resumption from Maatta he was ruled out with a shoulder injury.
Last but not least, goaltending. Fleury has rebounded since the Islanders debacle and the Flyers charade. He played some his best hockey in years in the play-offs last year but the teams attacking threat let them down. Fleury has always been a solid regular season goaltender and I don't expect that to change. If he can repeat his playoff performances then he gives the Penguins a huge chance to go far.
